Direct

[Fr.; Lat. direct us, from dirigo; see the verb.] Straight; right; leading or tending to an end, as by a straight line or course; not circuitous or oblique; as, a direct road. - Open; straightforward; not anıbiguous or doubtful; as, the lie direct. - Plain; expre ; absolute; without ambiguity or reservation; as, "he nowhere says it in direct words." ( Locke.) - In regular descent, as from father to son; - opposed to collateral; as, the heir in the direct line. (Astron.) Appearing to move forward from east to west, as a heavenly body; - opposed to retrograde. The motion of all the heavenly bodies, except some of the comets, is direct. The apparent motion of the heavens is retrograde, because the earth's motion is direct. By the astronomers of the 15th and 16th centuries, bodies in direct motion were said to move in antecedent i a, and those in retrograde motion, in consequent i a . Direct-action engine. (Mach.) An engine having the rotatory motion communicated to a crank placed directly over the cylinder, so as to save height, and le en the weight of the engine; the term applies more particuLarly to marine engines. Direct fire. ( Mil.) An enemy's fire perpendicularly directed to the troops or battery in 'ine of aim. Direct tax . ( Pol . Econ .) A tax whose a e ment is directly chargeable upon personal property and income; in contradistinction to taxes derived from duties levied on merchandise in the manner of customs and excise duties, and the like. Direct', v . a. Lat. dirigo, directum - dis , and rego , to keep straight. See REGAL.] To give direction to; to point or aim in a straight line toward a place or object; as, to direct the aim of a gun. To show the right road or course; to guide; to give a direction as to the proper bearings of a track or goal; as, to direct a person who has lost his way. - To cause to proceed in a particular manner; to regulate or determine the course of; to dis pose; to govern, manage, or conduct; to adjust; as, to direct the councils of a state. IMG:content-0617.png:[graphic] IMG:content-0618.png:[graphic] "Rides on the whirlwind, and directs the storm." - Add is on. jun balsam, which resembles in its properties the so called balsam of copaiba, and which is used for similar purposes. In India, wood-oil has been employed for painting houses. to order; to command; as, he directed him to leave at once. To specify a direction or addre , by a written mark or superscription; as, to direct a package, newspaper, .